Best Zero Drop Trail Shoe

Your toes will have a bit more freedom with the Altra Lone Peak 4.5. Most of the trail shoes on this list aren’t very forgiving when it comes to the roominess of the forefoot, but you don’t have to worry about that with the Lone Peak 4.5. It’s our top pick for the best zero-drop trail shoes, and that’s because it can make you more confident on the trail by delivering a good amount of stability.

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See Our Best Trail Shoe Review 2021

Many trail enthusiasts would consider the Altra Lone Peak as one of the most popular zero-drop trail shoes on the market. The 4.0 version was well-received by runners and thru-hikers alike because of its cushy platform. However, the downside was the short life span of the midsole. Altra aims to resolve this issue by tweaking the midsole foam to make it more resilient in the Altra Lone Peak 4.5. It’s our pick for the top zero-drop trail shoe on our list.

Grip & Foot Protection

Designed to be robust and gripping, the outsole was made with two Altra technologies—the Trailclaw and Maxtrac. Both can easily be spotted when you turn the shoe over because each technology is labeled. The multi-directional lugs are already deep, but with the Trailclaw, which are canted lugs placed right below the metatarsals, you’ll get the right amount of traction especially during toe-off. The Maxtrac, on the other hand, is a rubber compound that was shaped into arrow-like lugs and placed strategically below the Trailclaw to make the Lone Peak 4.5 reliable on slippery surfaces.

The StoneGuard was added to the midsole, so you’ll be able to land safely without worrying about feeling pain when stepping on sharp objects during your run or hike. The rock plate is a layer of protection and it doesn’t add significant volume to the sole, so the midsole still feels thin when compared to the Lone Peak 4.0, but more protective overall. A thin midsole may not be your cup of tea, but the tradeoff is a good amount of responsiveness.

One of the drawbacks of the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 is the toe guard. While trail shoes like the Salomon Speedcross 5 have a highly protective toe cap, the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 doesn’t. Though your underfoot is set, you might need to be more careful not to step hard onto sharp objects on the trail.

Durability

The main material on the upper is called Quick-Dry Air Mesh. It has been sufficiently reinforced with synthetic overlays to make it more resistant to scratches and grazes. Although there have been reports about premature tearing on the sides, the upper feels tough, sturdy, and supportive. There’s a good amount of rubber to wear through despite the change in the sole’s volume. It can withstand high mileage, and that’s exactly what Altra is aiming for with this version of the Lone Peak.

Stability

As mentioned, the overlays feel sturdy. They deliver enough support without feeling too intrusive to the foot. The FootShape toe box on the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 allows your toes to splay naturally, but the overlays adequately stabilize the midfoot and heel. Sometimes, the ride can feel clunky, but that’s because of how this trail shoe is shaped. The level of security that grants you a stable landing will depend on how your foot fits within the shoe.  

Comfort & Fit

As you already know, the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 is very welcoming when it comes to wide-width feet. If you’re looking for a trail companion that has a very snug fit, this may not be the shoe for you. The fit won’t give you a sloppy ride, but you may not like the extra room the Lone Peak 4.5 delivers. You’ll need to cinch your shoes tightly if your feet are narrower.

Because of the Air Mesh, air can circulate within the shoe sufficiently. Despite the number of overlays that cover the mesh upper, it’s still breathable and may not be the ideal trail shoe for colder temperatures. The shoe is more comfortable for running in regular, warm, or hot weather—since the upper keeps your foot cool.

Versatility & Value for Your Money

Those who are already fans of the Lone Peak line may appreciate the tweaks that Altra has made on this version. If you’re someone who enjoys a harder-feeling trail shoe, you may find value in this pair because of its level of outsole durability and versatility. Do take note that it may not become your go-to shoe for highly technical trails, but it’s a great general-purpose trail shoe for different wilderness activities like hiking and camping.

Additional Features

On the back of the Lone Peak 4.5, there is a hook-and-loop tab that you can attach your strapless gaiter to. If you need more coverage to prevent debris build-up beneath the shoe, this is a good feature to use.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the re-designs on the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 are purposeful. They don’t change what most consider special about the shoe. It’s versatile and ideal for different outdoor activities. This is the trail shoe to look for if you like short runs or hikes with good responsiveness and a feel for the ground. With an MSRP of $110, it’s our pick for the best zero-drop trail shoe on our list.

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